Why wear the sword on the right?

[Sardaukar]

Hi guys
I've asked this before but never got a clear answer.

When I look at videos showing right-hand gladius draw it seems to me that there a brief moment that the point of the sword is pointing towards the body. I've tried it with a gladius length stick but result was inconclusive as I have arthritis in my right shoulder and that twist is painful. Is that true the blade point does point at the body? If yes then I would think that, in the confusion of battle, even before closing with the enemy, there would have been a NON-ZERO chance of stabbing oneself (running, random bumping,...). What is your opinion? Is it a bug of the re-enactment? Is something wrong?

It depends on technique used. To me, "reverse right-hand" draw to side many think cannot be executed when pressed by other legionary bodies because it'd need space on side and gladius could easily be embedded into one's side by stumbling "shieldmate".

On the other hand, similar draw where sword point starts it's travel virtually from opposite direction to where the point will end is to me probable, in upward arc, always same direction as your body is facing.

I think people here who are into re-enactment can experiment. Your knuckles will always face forward during the draw and draw will always be arc up forward.
When your sword clears your scutum, you will be in position to stab downwards (with same grip you had when grasping your sword) over enemy's locked shield or can rotate your wrist and stab for eyes.

That's my idea.